Dentures Vs. Implants – Why Would I Choose Them?

denture

Both dentures and implants are common dental appliances that may solve the problem of one or multiple missing teeth. There are pros and cons to both and which one an individual chooses is dependent on several factors. Let’s look at why a person might prefer one to the other.

The advantages of dental implants

Implants are a way to replace teeth so that they look and feel natural. Once the procedure is complete, no one will know the difference between your original teeth and your implants. In addition, with implants, you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat certain foods or biting down on something. Implants are secure and act just as natural teeth do.

These are compelling reasons to choose implants. When done correctly by a reputable, experienced dentist, implants are long-lasting, beautiful and natural. It is important to note that implants require care and excellent oral hygiene, just like your original teeth. It is easy to see why many people would prefer implants to dentures, however, there are downsides to implants.

The downsides of implants

Implants are a complex procedure that requires several steps. Getting implants is a process that takes place over a period of months. Installing the implants is a surgical procedure and there may be additional procedures involved, such as bone grafts. There is a degree of patience required and some discomfort involved with healing from surgery.

The advantages of denture

While dentures may not have the same benefits that implants do, they offer a lower-cost alternative. Today’s dentures are much better quality than those in the past. They come in full and partials sets and do not require any surgery or invasive procedures. For people who don’t have the bone or gum health for implants, dentures are a good alternative.

The downside of dentures

A denture wearer has to be conscious of the fact that dentures can slip out during eating or talking if they are not properly adhered. They can be uncomfortable and they can also promote further gum and bone deterioration.

Choosing between implants and dentures depends on the individual, what they can afford and what their lifestyle and personal preferences are. Either of these dental solutions for missing teeth can be a good choice and as dental technology continues to rapidly advance, each solution gets better with time.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, we invite you to make an appointment to discuss your particular circumstances and whether implants or dentures would be the most appropriate solution for you.

Click here to find out more about implants at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

Click here to find out more about dentures at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

 

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Porcelain Veneers – What You Need To Know

veneers

Dental veneers are a common solution for people who are not completely happy with their smile. They are very thin (equivalent to a contact lens) shells made either from porcelain or a resin composite that adhere to the front of the tooth. Veneers change the shape, colour and size of the natural tooth. They fix a number of dental problems.

How porcelain veneers can help to create a winning smile

Chipped, broken and worn down teeth are easily repaired and strengthened with veneers. They can also fix tooth discolouration and irregularly shaped teeth with minimal alteration to the original enamel. For people who don’t want to invest time and endure discomfort by wearing braces, veneers are used to make an even, straight smile.

Crowns versus veneers

When deciding between a crown and a veneer, the latter is a more conservative approach to changing the appearance of a tooth. A crown requires extensive shaping of the original tooth, whereas, with porcelain veneers, your dentist removes only half a millimetre of enamel from the front of the tooth. In many cases, the application of a temporary veneer isn’t necessary while awaiting the laboratory’s completion of a patient’s custom veneer.

Veneer colour can be customized

Porcelain veneers also have a natural tooth appearance. Color variation in the casting replicates the dynamic appearance of an original tooth and translucent areas in the porcelain imitate the clear biting edges of enamel teeth. Patients can also custom select the colour of their veneers when using porcelain. This means dark teeth or teeth with uneven colour can be lightened and given a uniform appearance. However, once veneers are applied, teeth can no longer be whitened. Patients planning on whitening should complete their whitening treatment prior to the application of veneers.

Porcelain veneers are bio-compatible and durable

Porcelain veneers comfortably integrate into a patient’s mouth. Gum tissue readily accepts porcelain, as long as there isn’t pre-existing gum disease or decay. Porcelain is also highly durable, though patients should exercise caution and avoid chewing on pencils, ice and other hard objects.

Porcelain veneers are easy to maintain

With veneers, patients can continue to practice their regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. There are no extra steps required to maintain veneers.

Click here to find out more about veneers at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

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